RYAN SHEAD

Founder and CEO

Ryan Shead was born and raised in the suburbs of Detroit where his father worked 29-years as a mechanic for the Chrysler Corporation. Ryan credits his father’s occupation and passion for his understanding the importance of unions.

From an early age, Ryan was driven by a belief that public service, especially serving one’s country, is a calling greater than almost any other.  That’s what spurred Ryan to join the United States Air Force in 2003; the same branch of service his father had joined at the height of the Vietnam War in 1968. 

As Ryan would later come to say, “With all that was happening in the world following 9-11, I felt a need to serve; to be part of something bigger than myself.“

During his Air Force career, Ryan was trained as an Aircraft Structural Mechanic in Pensacola, Florida. Following his training at NAS Pensacola, he was sent overseas to his first duty station in Okinawa to work on combat aircraft like the F-15 Eagle.

After serving four years in the Air Force, Ryan went on to put his skills and experience to work as a civilian military contractor working on a vast array of military programs with the US Navy and US Air Force.

And whether it was serving as a frontline Airman or as a military contractor, it was this experience where Ryan came to understand that public service is never a “9-5” job and serving others required a special level of dedication and commitment.

Ryan often says “My military oath didn’t come with an expiration date.” That’s what led to what you see today. It may look different than working on fighter jets, but it’s still a service to others.

Created in 2019 while Ryan was recovering from his third major surgery in 12-months, The Woodshead is a collective of liberal media outlets and creators dedicated to combating political misinformation and religious indoctrination.

The Woodshead is the vanguard of the left. And there’s nothing better than taking the opposition behind the woodshead for a little talk.

That’s why you should join us! Now let’s get to work!